Newcastle’s iconic Tyneside Cinema has recently received a £700,000 loan from the North East Social Investment Fund, managed by Northstar Ventures.

For the cinema, as with so many of our cultural venues, times have been challenging. But now, this beloved city centre venue – which most locals know as ‘the Tyneside’ – is in a position to act on an ambitious turnaround plan and become self-sufficient and self-funding and roll out an exciting programme of events and broaden the scope of its contribution to the culture in the area.

Part of the plan for the Tyneside Cinema involves recently appointed Chief Executive Officer Nic Greenan. Nic was a critical part of the leadership team that won the UK City of Culture 2025 bid for Bradford and Brit School North. She will lead the dynamic drive to cement the venue’s key role in the North East’s vibrant arts scene.

Nic said: “This really is a new beginning. Securing this funding gives us the solid foundation which we need to not just continue the Tyneside’s incredible history but to build a vibrant and exciting future.

“Since I joined, I’ve been absolutely bowled over by the love people have for this place and the passion they have for what it does – there really is nowhere else like it.

“My task now is to harness that passion and help drive the Tyneside forward to a place where it is not just a sustainable, independent cinema but a real magnet for audiences, a place of wonder and excitement for people of all ages and audiences of all kinds.

“Everyone here is incredibly grateful to the North East Social Investment Fund and Northstar Ventures for their belief in our ability to transform this cherished venue. There is a lot of hard work still to be done, but we can now progress a number of exciting new projects. Film will always be our focus, but we’re looking to make the most out of our incredible event hire facilities with everything from corporate meetings to wonderful weddings”

Naomi Allen Seales, Investment Manager at Northstar Ventures, said: “Tyneside Cinema is far more than just a cinema or a building: it’s a cultural institution and a charity whose activities and influence spreads into communities right across the region and further afield.

“That’s why when we were approached for finance from the North East Social Investment Fund, we were delighted to be able to play a part in the future of such a regionally important cultural icon. We have seen first hand how Nic and the team are working hard towards securing the future and legacy of the Tyneside.

“Additionally, we are delighted that Tyneside Cinema has also secured a grant of £37,500 from our partners at The County Durham Community Foundation.”